How to Groom a German Shepherd Dog

One of the most recognizable of all breeds, the German Shepherd has a hardy coat in colors of dark brown, tan and golden. The heavy medium length outer coat is harsh and straight, while the undercoat is short, woolly and dense. German Shepherds are heavy shedders and require moderate grooming.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Natural bristle brush
• Chamois cloth
• Pin brush
• Metal rake
• Dog shampoo
• Blow dryer
• Slicker brush
• Metal comb
• Trimming scissors
• Shedding blades
• Shedding rake

1. Brush your German Shepherd twice a week to manage shedding. Use a natural bristle brush and pin brush to remove hair shedding from both the outer course coat and the woolly, dense undercoat.
2. Remove any mats or tangles in his undercoat with a metal rake. Matting is typically worse in their neck, chest and thigh areas.
3. Bathe your German Shepherd only when necessary or every 2 months. Use a high quality dog shampoo for dry skin. Ask your vet, breeder or pet store for breed-specific recommendations.
4. Dry your dog with a blow dryer to remove excess water. Continue drying with a hand fluff approach using a slicker brush. Finish the bathing process with a final, thorough combing, using a metal comb to remove shedding hair.
5. Even out any long hair around your German Shepherd's pads with trimming scissors. During high shedding times, use shedding blades during to speed the shedding process. Gently place the blades on your dog and lightly pull back to remove shedding hair.

Tips & Warnings

• You also can remove dead and shedding undercoat hair with a shedding rake, which distributes natural oils by massaging your dog's skin.
• For an extra shiny coat, use a chamois cloth on his fur after grooming.
• Don't clip a German Shepherd. They only require regular brushing and bathing.